What Were They Like?

Question 1

What is the form of the poem?

Answer 1

Question and answer form.
Free verse poetry.

Question 2

What is the structure of the poem?

Answer 2

Ambiguous way to approach and read the poem which mirrors discomfort and unease.
Final answers are longer which makes the closing silence more profound.

Question 3

How is peaceful imagery used in the poem?

Answer 3

Full of idyllic images of nature that create a sense of calm. Contrasts with destruction caused by war. Peaceful imagery becomes tinged with sadness.

Question 4

How is devastating language used in the poem?

Answer 4

Consequences of warfare described in vivid detail. Emphasises horror of Vietnam.

Question 5

How is a formal tone used in the poem?

Answer 5

Even though the identity of the responding individual is anonymous, their respectful tone can be interpreted as insincere and sarcastic as if they are suppressing their own feelings about war.

Question 6

‘Light hearts…

Answer 6

…turned to stone’

Question 7

‘After their…

Answer 7

…children were killed’

Question 8

‘Laughter is bitter to…

Answer 8

…the burned mouth’

Question 9

‘Most were peasants; their…

Answer 9

…life was in rice and bamboo’

Question 10

‘Who can say? It…

Answer 10

…is silent now’